Changes in activities and gene expression of enzymes associated with cell wall modification in peels of hot water treated bananas

► We investigated the effects of hot water treatment on activities of cell wall degrading enzymes, and expression of related genes in banana peel. ► Hot water treatment (HWT, 50 °C, 10 min) reduced activities and mRNAs accumulation of pectate lyase (PL) and β-galactosidase (β-Gal) in the peel during storage at 25 °C. ► HWT inhibited polygalacturonase (PG) enzyme activity and delayed MaPG1 expression. ► HWT had little effect on pectin methylesterase (PME) or β-1,3 glucanase (Glu).